American Aviation in WWIIBy: Michael McKenzie and Travis Phillips

Table of Contents:
1. F4U Corsair
2. B-29 SuperFortress
3. American Pilot Spotlight
4. Works Cited

F4U Corsair

First came off of assembly lines in September of 1942
Used a “bent wing” design
The “Bent Wing” design improved the aerodynamics of the intersection of the plane which led to a higher top speed
The corsair’s wheels swivel back 90 degrees and go inside the wings to allow fore a smoother flight
Used mostly by marines for land-based missions where it had an outstanding combat record
Known as the “Whistling Death” to the Japanese because of the distinctive sound that it made while in flight
Used by the U.S.A., Great Britain, France, New Zealand, and Australia during WWII

Developed in 1940 - 1st “Strategic Bomber”
Began shipping to Air Force in 1943
Could carry 20,000 lbs. of bombs
Used for transport over the Pacific Ocean and to Japan from China.
8 remotely controlled .50 caliber machine guns located on top and bottom of the fuselage
2.50 caliber machine guns and one 20 mm cannon in tail
General Curtis E. LeMay ordered all turrents and ammo to be removed from B-29’s, in order to fly lower, faster, and save fuel.
Carried Atomic Bomb (Fat Man and The Little Boy)
Dropped atomic bomb on Japan (Bockscar and Enola Gay)
Click here for more info.

Born on Jan. 16, 1910 in Bessemer, Alabama
Graduated the US naval academy in 1933
Won Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit,and the Distinguished Flying Cross
shot down 34 Japanese fighter pilots
shot down 9 planes during one morning’s dogfight with the Japanese. Unparalleled achievement in aviation history
Hellcat pilot and Commander of Air Group Fifteen (CAG-15) on USS Essex
For more information on David McCampbell, click here.